Motor Preferences and Jumping in Figure Skating

The basic principle:

Every person is born with an innate motor preference, a natural way of using their body.

Among these preferences are the flexion leg and the extension leg:

• Flexion leg = the leg that prefers to absorb, bend, and stabilize.

• Extension leg = the leg that prefers to push, propel, and accelerate.

These roles are asymmetrical and complementary, greatly influencing the moment of support in jumps.

Why is this important in figure skating?

The jump = a technical loop between support / push-off / rotation/landing

1. Support

   • This is when the skater is stable on one leg, usually gliding.

   • The support quality is crucial—it sets the tone for everything that follows.

   • Depending on their motor preference (flexion/extension), a skater will use that leg in a specific way.

2. Push-Off (Impulsion)

• The leg (and entire body) pushes off the ice, generating vertical or diagonal force.

• The type of muscle action depends on whether the skater uses more extension or flexion.

• The center of mass begins to shift upward and/or forward.

  
  

3. Rotation

• While airborne, the skater tightens the body (arms, legs) to increase spin speed.

• Motor preference plays a role again—vertical profiles love being compact, horizontal profiles prefer more open positions.

• Vision strategy also affects stability here (focal vs global vision).

  
  

4. Landing

• The skater absorbs the impact through eccentric muscle action.

• They land typically on the other leg, which may be their flexion leg.

• A good landing means re-entering the support phase—completing the loop!

Center of mass and the pelvis in 3D

The center of mass is the body's "central balance point." It doesn't move the same way for everyone.

• A flexed profile often has a low center of mass and is more engaged toward the rear.

• An extended profile often has a high center of mass and forward projection.

The pelvis plays a key role: it's a mobile hinge that directs posture and 3D movement in space. Some use it as a pivot, others as an axis of propulsion.

Why do some skaters struggle with certain jumps?

Because certain types of jumps require specific motor skills:

If the jump requires a lot of absorption at entry, it's more natural for a flexed leg.

If the jump requires strong vertical propulsion, it's easier with an extended leg.

Therefore, if the jump uses the "wrong" leg for a key phase, it can destabilize the skater (delay, imbalance, loss of timing).